Morgan called to testify on hacking

CNN host denies participating in invasions of privacy

CNN host Piers Morgan will testify before the British government’s Leveson Inquiry to address his role at London tabloids including News of the World. That paper shuttered by News Corp after it became known that reporters and editors had been involved in hacking into the cell phones of subjects from celebrities to murder victims. The news was first reported by U.K. daily the Guardian and subsequently confirmed by a CNN spokeswoman.

Led by M.P. Brian Henry Leveson, the Leveson Inquiry is an ongoing public investigation into the hacking scandal, which has engulfed News Corp’s Brit newspaper division, News International. Editors including Andy Coulson and Rebecca Brooks, both of NOTW, have been arrested in connection with the hacking.

Morgan has vociferously denied any involvement in the hacking scandal, though records of phone hacking extend back to his tenure at NOTW. While the CNNer admitted that invasion of privacy happened on his watch, he denied any direct knowledge of the crimes.

Morgan tweeted in Aug. that “I’ll be making no further comment on this #Hackgate nonsense. But important for everyone to know exactly who these lying smearers are.” Former employees, especially those facing scrutiny themselves, have publicly questioned the credibility of Morgan’s plea of ignorance.